T is for Tension-Free Travel

T is for Tension-Free Travel

July is the best traveling month this summer and many of you are no doubt traveling quite some distance to see what the world has to offer. Whether you like flying or not, here are top 10 tips of mine that will help you  make your trip more comfortable, and ensuring you don’t arrive looking exhausted.

1. CHOOSE YOUR SEAT. If you are not travelling with a child, always try your best to get a seat few rows behind the exit to avoid loud crying babies on airplane. If possible, Plan ahead and get that window seats!

2. NECK PILLOW. I used to always end up waking up with my head on my neighbor's shoulder which was so embarrassing! And you know waking up in awkward position with Neck-aches sucks.

3. HAPPY IMMUNE SYSTEM. Emergen-C, airborne, ibuprofen etc. Jet-lag, dirty hands, airports, airplanes and the overall number of people you are likely to come into contact with en-route, does not make for a happy immune system.

4. CHAPSTICKS. A long plane ride means dry lips and lets be real, they refill the water only when you asked for it. Don’t forget to bring an empty water bottle.

5. EYE DROP. If you wear contact lens, bring the mini size contact solutions. This will freshen up your eyes.

6. FACE WIPES AND MAKE UP. Your skin can suffer terribly when traveling, so it’s important you keep your face clean. A small Ziploc bag of face wipes will help to clean and moisturize your face, and are easy to carry. Tips: Get a sample-size products from beauty bar at department store/ sephora or gift with purchases are great, sometimes it comes with a tiny mascaras. Put on make-up right before you land and keep it simple. Foundation, a little blush, mascara, your trusty lip balm and you’re good to go. Keep it clean, fresh and natural.

7. SANITIZERS. Airports are a germ-breeding ground so this will come in handy if you can’t get to a bathroom easily to wash your hands in the airport or on the plane.

8. A PAIR OF SOCKS. To speed up the line at the airport security, I always choose to wear flats, sandals or even slip on. And the plane temperature drops in the middle of the night and though you brought blankets and hoodie, but your feets are like icicle cold, and found yourself scrunch up in your tiny seats. Bring them socks.

9. FRESH UNDERWEAR. I mean 20 hours long flight, and even 8 hours, c’mon, you know it is scratching up your butt and you’re probably embarrassed to pull them wedgie. Extra-Extra comfy? Just wear a cotton “bralette” under a tank, with a loose fitting cotton t-shirt.

10. DRY SNACKS. Just a small bag of trail mix, candy or granola bars.

VIVE HOTEL WAIKIKI

Versatility, Chic, Comfortable and Affordable boutique hotel in the heart of Waikiki.

You can read all about them on Yelp, Trip Advisor, tons of highly raved customer rating and honestly, excellence values for money!

Here are top 10 reason why I love my stay and you should give it a try.

1. Fresh pineapple juices upon entrance and complimentary breakfast every morning! Hotdog buns, croissants, blueburry toast, coffee, fresh fruits and etc. The breakfast was delicious, and a perfect way to start our day. We haven't stopped talking about how much we miss that breakfast selection!
2. Can’t finish your leftover or having a midnight craved?  They have microwaves and toaster! Yup, I did enjoyed the microwaves 5-6 times throughout my stay. #leftover
3. Complimentary beach gears. Google the rates of renting your own beach mats, umbrellas and chairs… Forget it, you can have this free of charge every day, when you come back from the beach 2-3 times with your wet towels, just pick up fresh new ones at the front desk.
4. There is a bus stop right outside the hotel which can take you to Ala Moana, Pearl Harbour and the airport, and the buses are only $2.50 no matter how far you go. The buses came regularly and we believe great value compared to a rental car. And there are parking spot for bicycle.
5. Distance to the beach, just few blocks away. And it is perfectly located in the middle of the strip, closer to Duke statue and Waikiki beach wall. I thought it was perfect as it is less crowded than main street.
6. Hotel room is newly renovated and updated with modern contemporary design. Love it!
7. 5 out of 5 stars from front desk to housekeeping service! Very chill, donw to earth and welcoming environment. Jacqueline the concierge made our stay even better with her outstanding service!
8. Service room : If you are taking a red eye flight back and hotel checkout is at 12pm, you can leave your baggage at the front desk, hit the beach and come back during your reserved hour to get freshen up or nap. It does required 24 hours advance reservation.
9. One of my favorite place is Me BBQ, which is right across from the hotel. Easy, cheap and good.
10. Pricing!!!! After writing through all the things I love about this place and still get to feel good for the price you pay. Two words: Worth It.

MIAMI LIVIN '

M I A M I   L I V I N'

Here are the 8 Reasons why I love this city 

8. The clubs and bars are open later than pretty much anywhere else, and even if you don't stay out til 5 a.m., it's nice to know you won't be hassled home until you're good and ready. Even if you're an hour late to something, you're not really late. It's Miami time. The club close at 5am, and walking out the club when the sun is just coming up makes me feel so alive. Tips: Don't get a cab, just walk along the beach & feel the warm breeze. 

7. There's beautiful people here of every imaginable ethnicity, and when they get together their kids are even more beautiful. Seriously! 

6. Not only SOBE has been called the American Rivera but an art Deco playgound. You will find local their art scene emerged as one of the best in the country, but it's also probably the least stuffy and most fun art scene in the world. 

5. The clear blue water and fine white beaches are a must-see for any Miami visitor: even for locals, the beautiful beach just doesn't get old. This weather will makes you miss Florida every winter. 

4. There's a strong entrepreneurial streak here (even if it tends to sometimes manifest itself in illegal ways). Like seriously, I think everyone here own a YATCH because there are more Yatch than fancy-a** cars. Or the other way around. 

3. Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Pizza Rustica and Pollo Tropical beat Chipotle, Dominos, KFC or pretty much any other fast food or fast casual restaurant hands down. It's also a culinary hot spot for everything from gourmet to casual beachside cuisine. 

2.  Not only is topless sunbathing legal, but it's really no big deal. It is absolutely free spirit and a city with lots of great figures human-being. Along the beach, you will find people jogging, skating, biking, playing volleyballs, and all sorts of sun-activities. 

1. Unlike other cities there's none of the snobby attitude over who is "a real Miamian." No one's actually from here, and if you've been here long enough to get at least half of this list we'll consider you one of our own. I met a few Columbian, Costa Rican, Guatemalan ... but very little that actually says I'm from Miami. 

SOBE

I love South Beach. South Beach is the Miami postcard, the water is always amazing; clear, warm, and inviting. A trip to Miami without a trip to South Beach is a waste of time! I have been here many times and it never disappoints. Right across from the Ocean Drive is the heavenly beach. Crazy cars, beautiful girls,  hundreds of great restaurants and things to do! This place is a Nuts, but absolutely Love it! South Beach is great for walks and people watching. Night life pops. The beach is beautiful and there are plenty of stores, restaurants and hotels around. Definitely a must-visit when you go to Miami. I highly recommend you to live around the strip so you can fully experience SOBE. I once stayed a few miles away, and ride the bus to SOBE for only 75¢ per trip. Buses run every 12 to 20 minutes daily, stopping at popular destinations throughout SoBe. All our air-conditioned minibuses are bike- and wheelchair accessible for your convenience. So climb aboard and leave the walking for a leisurely stroll down Lincoln Road or Española Way. Or just make appointment with the Mr.Sunshine, but don't forget to apply sunscreen. A bad sunburn will ruin you trip, trust me. 

Riviera Suites South Beach

Stayed at the Riviera and had a great time here! This hotel is in a great location near South Beach, Lincoln Road shopping, and many restaurants.The room smelled wonderful, the decor was clean lines and art deco trendy yet contemporary. Our room was on the first floor and in the corner and when we walked in it was very visually pleasing. It had a great mini bar that was fully stocked with drinks and snacks in the room. The beds were extremely comfortable and I'm pretty sure they were made of memory foam. The room had air conditioning and heat as well as windows that you could open wide for fresh air. They also offer Free shuttle to and from airport. From 7-8pm they offered a free happy hour down at the hotel bar which was outside in the courtyard. The line for free booze gets long so get there early. They also have a beautiful rooftop pool! The pool staff kept the pool area neat and clean and brought me water and ice often without being asked. They were fantastic! The pool areas are the star! 

MANSION NIGHTCLUB

Got a free ticket to see Arty while dining on the strip and had such a grand time partying up! The drinks are *cough cough* pricey though! Mansion is a nightclub, concert, and cirque du soleil all wrapped into one. It was definitely for the experience and live it up for Miami!